Uranya (2006) is a Greek movie directed by Costas Kapakas. It is a coming-of-age film set in a small village in the 1960s. The film revolves around a group of young boys who become obsessed with watching pornographic films and decide to make their own. The main character is Michalis, played by Aris Tsapis. He is a shy boy who lives with his grandmother and spends most of his time with his friends in the village. During the summer of 1969, Michalis and his friends discover a movie theater in a neighboring town that shows erotic films. They become fascinated with the films and decide to make their own.
To accomplish their goal, they recruit the help of a retired projectionist named Takis, played by Dimitris Piatas. Takis helps the boys steal a projector and teaches them how to make a film. The boys also enlist the help of a beautiful woman named Uranya, played by Maria Grazia Cucinotta. She is a foreigner who has come to the village to escape her troubled past.
Uranya becomes the inspiration for the boys' film and helps them with the script and the casting. As they work on the film, Michalis and Uranya develop a close relationship. However, their friendship is threatened by the disapproval of the conservative villagers, who see Uranya as a corrupting influence on the boys.
The film explores themes of sexuality, adolescence, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It shows the impact of modern media on a small and conservative community and the tensions that arise when new ideas and values are introduced. Uranya is also a story of friendship, love, and the power of imagination.
The performances in the film are strong, particularly from the child actors who bring a natural and authentic energy to their roles. Aris Tsapis is particularly impressive as Michalis, conveying the character's shyness and vulnerability with subtlety and grace. Maria Grazia Cucinotta brings a warmth and empathy to her role as Uranya, infusing the character with complexity and depth.
The cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful and evocative images of the rural landscape and the characters' faces. The film's use of music is also effective, with a blend of traditional Greek folk songs and modern pop music that underscores the film's themes of tradition and modernity.
Overall, Uranya is a thoughtful and engaging film that explores important themes with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a coming-of-age story that is both timeless and specific, capturing a particular moment in Greek history while also speaking to universal experiences of adolescence and identity.
